cut down

verb

cut down; cutting down; cuts down

transitive verb

1
a
: to strike down and kill or incapacitate
2
a
: to remodel by removing extras or unwanted furnishings and fittings
b
: to remake in a smaller size

intransitive verb

: to reduce or curtail volume or activity
cut down on smoking
Phrases
cut down to size
: to reduce from an inflated or exaggerated importance to true or suitable stature

Examples of cut down in a Sentence

we need to cut down that dying tree
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Political analysts saw the debate as Cuomo’s last chance to make a comeback and cut down Mamdani’s lead. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025 This innovative approach promises to cut down on the toxic waste associated with gold extraction and a new approach to recovering high-purity gold from various sources. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025 In 2006, protestors occupied a grove of oak trees slated to be cut down for the construction of a new athletic center. Austin Meek, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 The approach could extend road life, cut down on traffic delays and help governments spend infrastructure funds more efficiently. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cut down

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cut down was in 1571

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cut down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cut%20down. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

cut down

verb
1
: to knock down and kill or wound
2
: to make over in a smaller size
3
: to reduce something in amount
cut down on energy use

Medical Definition

cutdown

noun
cut·​down ˈkət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce cutdown (audio)
: incision of a superficial blood vessel (as a vein) to facilitate insertion of a catheter (as for administration of fluids)

More from Merriam-Webster on cut down

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